SOLUTION: 8. The length of a rectangle is 3 meters more than its width. If the area is 108 square meters, what are the length and width? OK I definetly need some help with these, please!

Algebra ->  Polynomials-and-rational-expressions -> SOLUTION: 8. The length of a rectangle is 3 meters more than its width. If the area is 108 square meters, what are the length and width? OK I definetly need some help with these, please!      Log On


   

Question 507705: 8. The length of a rectangle is 3 meters more than its width. If the area is 108 square meters, what are the length and width?
OK I definetly need some help with these, please!

Answer by jim_thompson5910(35256) About Me  (Show Source):
You can put this solution on YOUR website!
Let x = width, so length is then x+3

Area = Length*Width

A = LW

108 = (x+3)*x

108 = x(x+3)

108 = x^2+3x

0 = x^2+3x-108

0 = (x-9)(x+12)

(x-9)(x+12)=0

x-9 = 0 or x+12 = 0

x=9 or x=-12

Throw out the negative width to get x = 9

So the width is 9 meters and the length is 12 meters (since 9+3=12)

Let me know if you need more help or if you need me to explain a step in more detail.
Feel free to email me at jim_thompson5910@hotmail.com
or you can visit my website here: http://www.freewebs.com/jimthompson5910/home.html

Thanks,

Jim